University of Virginia

 Global Engagement at McIntire and UVA 

Global Engagement at McIntire and UVA

McIntire and the University of Virginia provide a rich array of resources and programs designed to help students to pursue global experiences. Some opportunities take students overseas to study, research, or volunteer, while others are offered locally on Grounds or in the Charlottesville/Albemarle community. Learn about and take advantage of the clubs, organizations, events, and programs that have been designed to develop and enrich your global perspective, and make a concerted effort to get to know and learn from your peers who are international students. McIntire’s international student population makes up nearly a quarter of our community. Our students represent countries from all over the world. 

McIntire

Global Connect at McIntire

Global Connect is a McIntire student organization and network of international and exchange students within the Commerce School. The organization shares career-related information and provides mentoring for those wishing to pursue an international experience.

McIntire Study Abroad

McIntire strongly encourages students to consider participating in an international study experience, whether for a week or a semester, including summer programs. Learn more about the Third-Year Core Program Abroad, short-term faculty-led travel abroad courses, and summer programs on the McIntire study-abroad site.

UVA

You do not need to travel overseas to have an international experience! The University offers a wealth of multicultural resources and activities you can explore on Grounds and in the local community.

UVA Student Organizations

In addition to McIntire organizations, you have access to over 900 UVA student organizations, many of which have an international focus. 

UVA International

Learn about UVA programs, offices, and activities that help students develop a global perspective. Take advantage of opportunities to engage in international research, participate in language immersion, and attend social and cultural events on Grounds and in the Charlottesville community.

  • Multicultural Events Calendar at UVA: Each week various clubs, organizations, and offices host events with an international or multicultural focus. Learn about upcoming events by subscribing to the Multicultural Events Calendar and receiving the bi-weekly email.
  • UVA International Residency College: The IRC serves as a focal point for exploring global and cross-cultural issues on Grounds, and includes a residency dorm for international and non-international students.
  • Lorna Sundberg International Center: The Center hosts a variety of programs to promote intercultural awareness.
  • Summer Language Institute: Students are actively engaged in an eight-week course designed to develop listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in French, German, Italian, Latin, Russian, Spanish, Tibetan, Chinese, or Arabic.
  • International Studies Office: The ISO is home to the University’s Education Abroad office, The International Center, and the International Students and Scholars Program.
  • Mentoring and International eXchange (MIX): Students welcome and mentor new international undergraduate students, fostering personal relationships and greater cultural awareness.
  • Volunteers with International Students and Scholars, and Staff Program (VISAS): Develop a relationship with an international student through weekly English conversation.
  • The Center for Global Health Scholar Programs: The Program supports students from all academic disciplines who demonstrate a strong interest in global health research.
  • Universitas 21: UVA is a member of Universitas 21, a network of 23 research-intensive universities in 15 countries. This global network provides a variety of experiences for students at member universities.

UVA Clubs through the Office of Engagement

Located throughout the country and around the world, UVA clubs are designed to connect alumni, parents, and friends of the University with their communities. University alumni and the Office of Engagement have founded over 15 clubs in international locations.

In addition to the McIntire and UVA resources listed above, consider taking advantage of local opportunities by:

  • Checking out foreign films or internationally focused movies from Clemons Library.
  • Joining a conversation group; Casa Bolívar, for example, hosts Spanish conversation groups.
  • Attending Passport DC, a month-long celebration of countries and cultures, including embassy open houses and festivals.